- Principle Benefits: Reduction in sagging upper eyelid skin; a more youthful, well-rested aesthetic; potential improvements in vision due to the removal of overhanging skin.
- Candidates: Patients with sagging upper eyelids who wish to restore a more youthful appearance while addressing wrinkles, excess skin, and displaced fat.
- Recovery Timeline: Most patients may resume non-strenuous jobs within 7-10 days after surgery; more vigorous exercise should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.
- Average Cost: On average, upper blepharoplasty costs around $2,800–$3,500, though this can vary depending on the details of treatment.
As we age, the upper eyelids tend to sag. The aging changes may be environmental or hereditary in nature and often reflect similar skin changes throughout the face. The connections between the eyelid skin and underlying muscle will frequently weaken, and the fat that normally sits well within the eye socket during youth will often prolapse forward into the eyelid.
Sometimes the problem is related to the underlying eyelid muscles, which either weaken or detach from the eyelids themselves. This frequently contributes to a fatigued appearance. Often times the problem is more related to the weakening of muscles in the forehead and brow area with consequent drooping of upper eyelid skin—potentially to a degree that one’s range of vision is partially, or even significantly, blocked.
Fortunately, women and men experiencing cosmetic and/or structural concerns pertaining to the upper eyelids often have an effective solution in the form of upper blepharoplasty.
- What Is Upper Blepharoplasty?
- Upper Blepharoplasty Benefits
- Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure
- Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery
- Results from Upper Blepharoplasty
- Upper Blepharoplasty Scars
- Upper Blepharoplasty Complementary Procedures
- Cost of Upper Blepharoplasty
- Non-Surgical Eyelid Lift
- Blepharoplasty FAQs
What Is Upper Blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty, also known as upper eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, is a popular procedure performed to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes for a refreshed, more expressive look. Based on your unique needs and aesthetic goals, Dr. Albert Cytryn can customize treatment to:
- Remove excess, sagging skin
- Reduce and/or sculpt displaced fat
- Smooth lines and creases in the upper lids
Before 
After What Are the Benefits of Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Upper blepharoplasty can produce a number of benefits, including:
- Softened lines and wrinkles around the eyes
- Reduced drooping and sagging of the upper eyelid
- Reduced fat accumulation around the upper eyelids
- A smoother contour above the eyes
- A more youthful, well-rested appearance
In addition to helping patients achieve a more refreshed aesthetic, upper eyelid surgery can also be beneficial from a functional standpoint. For example, patients with drooping upper eyelid skin, or ptosis, may see an improvement in their range of vision. To learn more about the benefits associated with upper blepharoplasty, please contact us today.
What Does the Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure Entail?
Most often performed under light intravenous sedation, upper eyelid surgery generally takes less than one hour to complete, depending on the complexity of treatment and whether or not it is combined with lower blepharoplasty.
To begin the procedure, Dr. Cytryn will make tiny incisions strategically located in the natural creases of the upper eyelid so as to minimize the potential visibility of post-operative scarring. Next, he will carefully excise redundant skin as well as remove and/or re-contour fatty tissue throughout the lid—always taking great care to not “over correct” any issue, which can lead to an unnatural appearance. If needed, he will also strengthen or reattach loose upper eyelid muscles, restoring them to their proper positions. Lastly, Dr. Cytryn will gently smooth out and suture the remaining skin, yielding an improved overall aesthetic.
In addition to lower eyelid surgery, upper blepharoplasty can also be combined with a facelift, brow lift, and/or various other procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
What Is Recovery from Upper Blepharoplasty Like?
Recovery from upper eyelid surgery will vary from patient to patient, but you can most likely expect to return to an office job and non-strenuous daily activities within seven to ten days after surgery. Some degree of bruising and/or swelling may be present initially, though these symptoms should resolve relatively quickly when post-operative instructions are followed closely. A significant level of pain is rare, but any discomfort experienced can generally be alleviated with medication. To help ensure optimal healing, Dr. Cytryn typically recommends that you avoid vigorous exercise, contact sports, and any other strenuous physical activities for at least two to three weeks, after which all restrictions are usually lifted.
I first met Dr, Cytryn 10 years ago when he operated on my eyelids and eyebrows. They still look terrific even after all these years, and I remember him as being simply wonderful and a pleasure to work with. My sister recently had eyelid and facelift sugery in Baltimore and ended up with horrible complications. My sister was eventually referred to Dr. Cytryn, and her internist told her that he is widely known as the doctor to repair problems such as hers. I was thrilled to have her working with Dr. Cytryn and he did an amazing job with her surgery. She looks amazing.
How Long Does Upper Blepharoplasty Last?
While it is impossible to predict the exact longevity of upper blepharoplasty results due to each individual’s unique aging process, the rejuvenative effects of eyelid surgery are quite long-lasting in the sense that you will always look younger and more refreshed at a given age than you would if you never received treatment in the first place. To help maximize the longevity of upper eyelid surgery results for his patients, Dr. Cytryn generally recommends following a good skin care regimen, avoiding excessive sun exposure, refraining from smoking, and striving to live an overall healthy lifestyle after the procedure.
Will I Have Noticeable Scars from Upper Blepharoplasty?
Since the small incisions utilized for upper blepharoplasty are typically concealed in the natural creases of the eyelid, the resulting scars are often virtually undetectable. As an added benefit, incision lines tend to naturally fade to some degree over time—particularly when properly cared for during healing—which further diminishes the visibility of scarring. During your consultation, Dr. Cytryn will be able to show you exactly where incisions will be made/hidden in your particular case, as well as provide customized post-operative instructions on how to aid the scar healing process for the best possible outcome.
What Procedures Can Complement Upper Eyelid Surgery?
A variety of procedures can complement upper blepharoplasty to enhance the overall outcome and help you achieve a more harmonious appearance. Below, Dr. Cytryn outlines some common options:
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness, bags, or sagging under the eyes, providing a more refreshed and youthful look to the entire eye area.
Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)
A brow lift elevates drooping eyebrows, smoothing forehead lines and reducing the appearance of sagging, which often complements the results of upper eyelid surgery.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift tightens sagging facial tissues in the mid and lower face, addressing jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and general facial laxity, which can create a more youthful appearance when combined with upper blepharoplasty.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing offers a non-invasive option for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and enhancing overall skin tone. It can be used around the eyes and face to complement the smoother, more youthful look achieved with upper blepharoplasty.
Injectables
Non-surgical Injectable treatments can help complement the result of upper blepharoplasty in different ways. Neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® can be used to smooth out crow’s feet and frown lines around the eyes and forehead, enhancing the overall result by targeting dynamic wrinkles. Dermal fillers can add volume to areas such as the cheeks or under-eye hollows (tear troughs), further enhancing facial balance and creating a more refreshed appearance.
What Does Upper Blepharoplasty Cost?
At Cytryn Cosmetic Surgery, the average cost of upper blepharoplasty is typically between $2,800–$3,500, though exact pricing may fall outside of this range based on factors such as how much skin and fat removal is needed and the degree—if any—of muscular correction required. If you are combining your treatment with lower blepharoplasty and/or other aesthetic procedures, you can expect the total cost to be a bit higher, but not as expensive as receiving each treatment separately would be.
To obtain a personalized price quote for upper eyelid surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cytryn. During this in-person meeting, he can evaluate your unique needs and goals, providing a cost estimate based on the specifics of a custom-tailored treatment plan.
Is an Eyelid Lift Without Surgery Possible?
There is no non-surgical eyelid lift technique that can yield the quality of results attainable through blepharoplasty, as surgical excision is required to remove excess skin and fat responsible for eyelid drooping. That said, if your aesthetic concerns pertain more to the region surrounding the eyes, Dr. Cytryn offers several non-surgical treatments that can create an excellent rejuvenative effect for qualified candidates. For example, injectables like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® can smooth lines and wrinkles between the eyebrows and around the corners of the eyes. Additionally, laser resurfacing can help enhance skin tone and texture throughout the area.
Again, however, it is important to reiterate that these non-surgical treatments are not suitable alternatives to eyelid surgery—but instead are potential options for individuals whose main concerns are not related to extra eyelid skin and fat. When eyelid-specific issues are present, blepharoplasty will usually be the most effective solution.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Will upper eyelid surgery improve my vision?
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on eliminating excess tissue on the upper eyelid. If extra, drooping skin from the upper eyelid is impairing your vision, blepharoplasty can improve your line of sight by removing the obstruction.
Is it normal for my eyes to be itchy following upper eyelid surgery?
After your procedure, you may experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort and have other minor symptoms like dry, itchy, watery, and/or irritated eyes. It is also normal to develop an increased sensitivity to light in the days following your treatment. Symptoms like these typically dissipate within the first few weeks of recovery.
Will insurance cover upper eyelid surgery?
In cases where upper blepharoplasty is being performed for purely cosmetic purposes, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance. That said, if drooping eyelid skin leads to obstructed vision, some insurance companies may help cover the cost of the procedure. We recommend reviewing your specific plan to see what coverage may be available. In most cases, your insurance company will likely require documentation from an ophthalmologist or physician as well as a visual field test.
When can I wear contacts again after upper blepharoplasty?
It is imperative that you wait for your eyelids to heal before attempting to use contact lenses to prevent unnecessary tugging of the eyelid skin and reduce the chance of infection. Contacts can be worn around one to two weeks after receiving upper eyelid surgery. This time frame may vary depending on your specific treatment. We recommend wearing eyeglasses during those weeks when you cannot wear your contacts.
When can I wear eye makeup after upper blepharoplasty?
You should avoid using eye makeup immediately after your procedure, as the upper eyelids will be sensitive and susceptible to infection if you touch or apply cosmetic makeup. Typically, patients can resume using eye makeup within two to three weeks after treatment.
When can I travel again after upper blepharoplasty?
Long drives and flying on an airplane are to be avoided for the first few days. Recovery will differ for each patient, and your doctor will clear you for certain activities as you move along in the recovery process.
When can I exercise after upper blepharoplasty?
After upper eyelid surgery, we suggest you avoid strenuous exercise and activities, as well as contact sports, for at least two to three weeks. This is to help safely facilitate the healing and recovery process. During your follow-up appointment, Dr. Cytryn can assess your healing progress and provide a personalized timeline for resuming your workout routine.
How do I reduce swelling after upper eyelid surgery?
Swelling is common after upper eyelid surgery, though the degree of swelling may vary from patient to patient. Ice packs and cold compresses can be used to help reduce puffiness around the eyes. Dr. Cytryn also recommends keeping your head elevated as much as possible, staying hydrated, reducing your salt intake, and wearing protective eyewear (sunglasses) to reduce sun exposure.
Contact Cytryn Cosmetic Surgery
To learn more about upper blepharoplasty, or if you would like to book a consultation with our experienced oculoplastic surgeon, please don’t hesitate to contact Cytryn Cosmetic Surgery today.